The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved the deployment of 850 additional troops to crisis-ridden Plateau State, to contain the escalating security situation.
The development was after Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, had said both residents and security personnel were caught unawares during the recent deadly attack in Jos, describing the incident as unexpected following a prolonged period of relative peace.
The governor made the remarks on Friday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he highlighted the circumstances surrounding the assault.
“As a matter of fact, the community was blindsided. The security personnel were also caught off guard because of the relative peace we have enjoyed, particularly in the last 10 months to one year. So nobody envisaged this kind of thing, and people came out in their numbers as they usually do to relax on a Sunday evening,” he said.
However, a statement by Captain Media Information Officer Joint Task Force, Operation ENDURING PEACE, Chinonso Polycarpoteh, noted that the immediate deployment of additional troops will strengthen ongoing operations.
“The reinforcement is aimed at supporting troops already on ground in de-escalating tensions and restoring law and order across affected areas of the state”, the statement read in part.
While addressing troops at the Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE in Jos, the COAS charged them to remain professional, disciplined, and firm in dealing with criminal elements threatening the peace and security of law-abiding citizens.
He assured the personnel that adequate logistics and combat enablers have been provided to ensure the effective execution of their mission.
“The newly deployed troops, numbering over 850, were drawn from formations in Abuja and Kaduna. The troops have been tasked with the protection of lives and property, as well as ensuring the safety and security of residents across the state”, the statement added.
Governor Mutfwang had explained that the attackers appeared to have carefully studied the behavioural patterns of residents before launching the assault.
“Obviously, the attackers had studied the psychology of the people, who are used to seeing operatives of the NDLEA who come to raid neighbouring communities in search of drug addicts and what have you. So they came in that manner, hooded, and were shooting in the same way NDLEA officers operate.
“People initially assumed it was an NDLEA operation and did not resist, but when they realised what was happening, a lot of damage had already been done. By the time they began to respond, the attackers had already escaped,” he added.
ChannelsTv